Who is the next rising star?
We’re searching for an exceptional young athlete who represents everything we love about sports: a dedication to greatness, fierce competition, and a commitment to their teammates and competitors alike. The champion will appear in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated and receive $25,000 to set them up for a bright future.
Benefiting
Two Terrific Teams
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded nearly $400 million in game-changing cancer research grants through a competitive process supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. 100% of direct donations benefit cancer research. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®.
Founded in 2014, Russell Wilson and Ciara’s Why Not You Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty through education, empowering youth to lead with a why not you attitude. The foundation supports student access to equal education opportunities, children’s health and food security initiatives. Its mission is to equip today’s youth with the skills and opportunities to become tomorrow’s leaders.
In Cooperation With
Born from Russell Wilson’s passion for sport, music, and fashion, 3BRAND offers youth apparel and accessories that blend performance, style, and purpose. It inspires the next generation to think and act with a ‘Why Not You?’ attitude. As an elite athlete and cultural icon, Russell understands the power of movement, style, and community and brings that passion to 3BRAND.
For 70 years, Sports Illustrated has been recognized for shaping modern culture at the intersection of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. SI is a 360-degree platform that unites athletes, teams, and fans worldwide through quality content, innovative digital experiences, unforgettable events, and original products.
Meet the Lineup
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Russell Wilson
NFL QUARTERBACK
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Thaddeus Bullard
WWE SUPER STAR
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Chaunté Lowe
4X OLYMPIC HIGH JUMPER
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Macklin Celebrini
NHL CENTER
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Haleigh Washington
2X OLYMPIC MIDDLE BLOCKER
FAQ
Is Youth Athlete of the Year legit?
Yes! The Youth Athlete of the Year competition is a real opportunity for one competitor to win $25,000 and appear in a custom 3BRAND ad campaign designed exclusively to highlight the 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year champion and publish in Sports Illustrated magazine. The campaign benefits the V Foundation for Cancer Research and Russell Wilson and Ciara’s Why Not You Foundation.
How does it work?
The winner is chosen through public voting. Supporters can cast 1 free vote daily for their favorite competitor, or they can opt to make a donation benefiting the V Foundation and Why Not You Foundation, and every $1 donated = 1 additional vote.
Where does the money go?
Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year serves as a fundraising campaign for DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which will grant donation funds to the V Foundation and Why Not You Foundation at the completion of the competition.
Learn more by visiting the competition rules.